Uttarayan 2023: All You Need To Know About The Date, Time, History And Important Rituals

The tradition of taking a holy bath in the rivers, kite flying, and cooking with til (sesame seeds) and gur (jaggery) are all essential parts.

(Representational)

Source : Getty

New Delhi: Gujarat celebrates Makar Sankranti, one of the oldest festivals in India, as Uttarayan. The festival, which honours the Sun God, signals the start of spring and the celebrations are filled with numerous customs. The tradition of taking a holy bath in the rivers, kite flying, and cooking with til (sesame seeds) and gur (jaggery) are all essential parts.

Uttarayan is the auspicious six-month period between Makar Sankranti and Karka Sankranti. On Makar Sankranti, the Sun enters into the Makara constellation and travels northward; while, on Karaka Sankranti, the Sun travels southward and the Dakshinayan era begins.

Uttarayan 2023: Date And Time

Makar Sankranti- January 15, 2023

Uttarayan Sankranti Moment- January 14, 2023, at 8:57 PM

Uttarayan 2023: History

King Bhishma was granted the blessing of choosing the time and day of his death, and Bhishma Pitamah waited for the sun to be in Uttarayana before embracing death, according to the Hindu epic Mahabharata. This is also the time when the sun begins to move North and before Uttarayan, the sun shines on the southern hemisphere. Hindus believe this period to be auspicious and it is known as Uttarayana or Winter Solstice.

The harvest festival honours Surya, who the Hindu religion considers to be the Sun God, and marks the sun's entry into Makara Rashi. It is both a religious and seasonal celebration. Hinduism believes that those who pass away during Uttarayana do not experience rebirth but rather enter paradise immediately.

Uttarayan 2023: Celebrations In Gujarat

Uttarayan is enthusiastically and fervently observed in Gujarat. The first day is celebrated as Uttarayan while the second one is Basi Uttarayan. On this day, multicoloured kites dot the sky, and people of all ages throng the terraces. Undhiyu, a typical hot winter dish, and mouthwatering regional sweet dishes like Chikki and Tal Sakli are popular throughout the event.

On this day, people visit the temple and take part in charitable activities. The state government has started the 'Karuna Abhiyan' to treat birds hurt by kite strings. Nearly 865 bird rescue centres have been established throughout the state as part of the effort, and more than 750 doctors and 8,000 volunteers have also joined.

Uttarayan 2023: Important Rituals

• On this day, individuals rise early and partake in a holy bath.
• Devotees also offer Arghya (water) and prayers to Lord Surya.
• Many worshippers travel to sacred locations to bathe in the Ganges.
• On the day of Uttarayan, women make a special satvik meal.
• Lord Surya is given the Bhog prasad first, and then it is given to the other family members.
• Giving food (grains), clothing, and Dakshina to priests or brahmins is regarded as lucky.